EPA issues advisory on Vt. septic systems
MONTPELIER, Vt.—Here's a thought you might not want to have during the holidays. All those kids home from college and other visitors are putting extra stress on the household septic system from showers, laundry, toilet-flushing and the like.
About 55 percent of Vermont residents rely on septic systems for wastewater disposal -- the highest in the country -- with New Hampshire and Maine close behind at about 50 percent. Homeowners are being urged to remind guests not to flush items ranging from hair combings to cigarette butts down the toilet, because that can harm septic systems.
People also need to be told not to park in parts of the yard over the septic system.
Failed septic systems can mean big financial headaches for homeowners, as well as health and pollution problems.
